Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:39
Direct-current Stimulation and Multi-electrode Array Recording of Seizure-like Activity in Mice Brain Slice Preparation
Published on: June 7, 2016
Effects of oral choline on human complex partial seizures
Neurology
|December 1, 1980
Summary
High-dose oral choline may help treat complex partial seizures (CPS). Patients experienced shorter seizures, less fatigue, and felt improved, suggesting choline as a potential therapy for intractable epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Medically intractable complex partial seizures (CPS) present a significant challenge in epilepsy management.
- Current treatment options for refractory CPS are limited, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of high-dose oral choline supplementation as an adjunctive therapy for patients with medically intractable complex partial seizures.
- To evaluate the impact of increased plasma choline concentrations on seizure characteristics and postictal recovery.
Main Methods:
- An open-label study was conducted involving patients with intractable complex partial seizures.
- Participants received high doses of oral choline (12 to 16 gm per day).
- Plasma choline concentrations were monitored, and seizure frequency, duration, postseizure fatigue, and overall patient well-being were assessed.
Main Results:
- Three subjects showed marked increases in plasma choline (75-300%) and reported benefits including shorter seizure duration, reduced postseizure fatigue, and subjective improvement.
- A slight increase in seizure frequency was observed in these subjects.
- A fourth subject with a smaller increase in plasma choline (21%) did not experience similar improvements.
Conclusions:
- Oral choline therapy may serve as a beneficial adjunct for managing intractable complex partial seizures.
- Further investigation through a blinded, prospective study is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and establish the therapeutic role of choline.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Direct-acting cholinergic agonists, such as synthetic choline esters and naturally occurring alkaloids, exert their effects by enhancing the actions of acetylcholine and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Synthetic choline esters share structural similarities with acetylcholine. For example, they have a positively charged quaternary ammonium or onium group, contributing to their hydrophilic characteristics. As a result, they are poorly absorbed in the body through oral...
01:19Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...